Postpartum Depression in a Context of Social Vulnerability in Morocco

Abstract

Postpartum depression is a public health problem. The aim of this study is to assess its prevalence among women in the province of Essaouira (Morocco) and to understand the factors associated with it. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 504 married women aged 18 to 49 years in 16 health centers. The Edinburgh Post-partum Depression Scale was used to screen for postpartum depression. Data entry and statistical processing were performed using SPSS-PC 18. The prevalence of postpartum depression was 30%. Binary logistic regression showed that psychic history in the last pregnancy (odds ratio = 2.08; 95% CI = 1.41 to 3.06) and household socioeconomic level (odds ratio = 1.692; 95% CI = 1.09 to 2.61) were significantly associated with postpartum depression. To reduce postpartum depression, it is necessary to invest in mental health of women during the perinatal period and to act to improve their socioeconomic conditions. [ Psychiatr Ann . 2023;53(2):96–104.]